Howitt started work in the architect's office at
Manchester Town Hall shortly before the
First World War. After war service, he attended the
University of Liverpool School of Architecture from where he graduated in 1925. He then joined
Herbert J. Rowse Architects in Liverpool where he remained until 1934. He was part of the team that designed the
Mersey Tunnel (Queensway) ventilation towers. He was appointed chief architectural assistant to Liverpool City Council's Director of Housing before returning to Manchester as deputy city architect in 1937. Howitt served in the army during
World War II, rising to the rank of
major. Wythenshawe Bowls and Tennis Pavilion (1960) and the Manchester Courts of Justice. After retiring from the corporation in 1961 he entered private practice in Manchester in partnership with Leonard J Tucker. Howitt became a
Fellow of the
Royal Institute of British Architects in March 1942, served on its council for twelve years and was its vice-president from 1956 to 1958. He was president of the
Manchester Society of Architects from 1955 until 1957 and served on other professional bodies. ==References==